But it was the sight of the country’s prime minister being subjected to a security check that drove Pakistani TV anchors apoplectic. “He should be ashamed for saying he went on a private visit. He is the prime minister… he has a diplomatic passport …there is no such thing as a private visit. He is representing the country… there are certain protocols when you are representing 22 crore people,” roared one talking head, saying Pakistan had been humiliated and Abbasi had brought shame on the country.

As per the reports of a popular news portal, Abbasi was reportedly on a private visit to meet his ailing sister in the US.

The Pakistani PM, however, has a history of making personal trips to foreign nations.

The incident at the New York airport comes at a time when things have not been well between the United States and Pakistan over Islamabad’s suspected support for militants waging war in Afghanistan, something Pakistani officials deny.